Do I need climbing experience?

No. This is an introductory tour designed for complete beginners. Your guide teaches all fundamental techniques, starting with an easy ice wall and progressively increasing difficulty.

How long is the walk to the glacier?

The approach is 15–20 minutes on an easy, well-maintained gravel road with views of the glacier as your reward at the end. No scrambling or steep sections.

What's included in the price?

All technical climbing equipment (harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe), professional guide instruction, and safety briefing. You provide your own sturdy waterproof boots and warm clothing.

How many climbs will I do?

Your guide identifies three different ice climbing areas of varying difficulty. You'll progress from basic technique on an easy wall to more challenging pitches, depending on your ability and conditions.

What features will I see on the glacier?

Your guide highlights crevasses, moulins (glacier waterholes), and other glacial formations while you climb, offering insight into how glaciers form and change.

Is there parking at the start point?

Yes, the meeting point is at Sólheimajökull car park. Book early for summer visits, as spaces fill quickly. The location is roughly 140 km south of Reykjavík.

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Glacier hike & Ice Climbing

(5)

Reykjavík, Iceland

Nature ToursGlacier HikingIce Climbing

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About this activity

Combine glacier hiking with introductory ice climbing on Sólheimajökull, one of Iceland's most accessible ice formations. This 4.5-hour experience teaches fundamental climbing techniques in a stunning natural amphitheatre, suitable for complete beginners with no prior experience required.

About the tour

If you go to Iceland, you must try out ice climbing on a glacier.

We start at Sólheimajökull parking lot, more details on a map below. You will meet your guide there. He is going to give you some glacier gear, harness, helmet, crampons and ice axe, after we put on the equipment, we start the 15-20 min hike to the glacier. This part is a nice and easy gravel road all the way, that ends up with a beautiful view of the whole glacier.

At the base of the glacier, we put on the crampons and show you how to use them. Your guide will also go over some safety rules before we start hiking on the ice.

When we are on the glacier, we try to find three different areas to climb on. We start with an easy ice wall to teach you basic skills to ice climb. After that we try to make each climb a little bit harder or longer.

You don’t have to know anything about climbing or be super fit to do this tour, this is a introduction tour so you don’t have to be afraid to try this out.

Our guides will also show you the wonders of the glacier, such as crevasses and moulins.

This is the perfect tour to see the glacier and try out some ice climbing with a local guide.

Highlights

✓Easy 15–20 minute walk through scenic gravel terrain to the glacier base
✓Progressive ice climbing progression: three routes from beginner-friendly to moderate difficulty
✓Expert instruction on crampon use, ice axe technique, and safety protocols
✓Close-up views of glacier features including crevasses and moulins
✓Professional harness, helmet, and ice climbing gear provided

Insider tips

★Arrive early at Sólheimajökull car park to secure parking; summer weekends fill quickly
★The gravel approach is easy but exposed—bring a windproof jacket even if the weather looks mild
★Ask your guide about the glacier's seasonal retreat; visible changes year-to-year are striking
★Wear thermal layers under your provided gear; temperatures drop significantly on the ice

Good to know

•Meeting point: Sólheimajökull parking area (approximately 140 km from Reykjavík)
•All technical gear included: harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe
•No climbing experience or exceptional fitness needed—this is a beginner introduction
•The hike to the glacier base is low-difficulty; most fitness levels suitable
•Approximately 2–2.5 hours spent actively climbing and training on ice; remainder includes approach, gear setup, and safety briefing

Who it's for

Adventure-seeking first-timers wanting to try ice climbing without prior trainingNature lovers keen to experience a glacial landscape and geological formations up closeFamilies and groups with varied fitness levels (introductory level removes barriers)Photographers after dramatic ice and landscape imagery

Best time to visit

May through September offers the most stable ice conditions and longest daylight hours. Late morning departures (around 09:00–10:00) optimise light and guide availability; aim for clear-weather days.